Become an Audiologist or SLP & Reward Yourself with a Career that Helps Others

www.asha.org/careers
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLP) discuss rewards of the professions and the joy they receive by helping people to communicate.
Julie Martinez Verhoff | Director of Audiology at the River School; Washington DC
Julie discusses being an audiologist at the River School. When having a conversation with a child who was born deaf, she's amazed and feels rewarded knowing that she's a part of that process.
As a mentor, she trains doctorial audiology students. One student-Jennifer-was diagnosed with a hearing loss when she was five years old. Students love when they come into the clinic and see her and her hearing aid. They say, "You wear a hearing aid, so do I."
Mackenzie Fama | Clinical SLP at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Mackenzie discusses being on MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital's stroke team, as well as working with patient's on other teams, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or cardiac rehabilitation. She talks about her unpredictable schedule and the flexibility of being able to work with individuals on speech and language disorders, swallowing disorders, and cognitive impairments.
She recommends the SLP field to anyone considering it, since it pulls from a variety of backgrounds and is so diverse. Whether someone's interest is working with kids or adults; in a school or hospital setting, or private practice; there's something for everyone.
Charles Coward | SLP and Manager at Connections Therapy Center
Charles enjoys working with younger populations most because they're going through different developmental stages, and he's able to make an impact that will last throughout their lives. He believes SLP is important because everyone has a right or need to communicate. In the future, Charles sees himself working in theatre or film, teaching actors ways to improve their articulation.
Charles works with a young boy-Donovan-who has a bubbly personality, but is non-verbal. He works closely with Donovan to consistently use the sign for 'please' and teaches him the sign for 'apple.'
Chizuko Tamaki | Audiologist at Professional Hearing Services; Falls Church, Virginia
Being an audiologist is fun and rewarding for Chizuko. She works with one patient who came to her for a dizziness and balance evaluation. Doing a hearing test, then videonystagmography (VNG), she always tries to explain what's going to happen because it eases patients' tension and makes them feel more comfortable with what they're going through.
Chizuko talks about her future in five years; possibly wanting to move her career in a different direction or to a more advanced level. With so many opportunities in audiology, she doesn't feel limited.
Martine Ellie | Clinic Director at the Howard University Speech and Hearing Clinic
Martine teaches graduate and undergraduate SLP students clinical practicum courses to teach them how to apply theory into working with actual clients. She decided to become a SLP because she always wanting to do something that would make a difference in peoples' lives. She talks about her day; either teaching classes, supervising students working with clients, and doing community outreach activities. She also talks about how ASHA is a vital part of everything she does in her professional life-certification, professional development, policy statements, and advocacy.
James Brinton | SLP at the Katherine Thomas High School; Rockville, Maryland
James discusses the most rewarding thing about being a SLP-working with adolescents and helping them learn to be successful. He works with high-schoolers with moderate to severe learning disabilities because it's important for them to have the skills to transition out of high school into adulthood. ASHA supports him by providing scholarly articles to read, and keeping him connected to other professionals in his field. With the experience he's gained he hopes to get a strong clinical foundation and either someday open up his own speech practice or return to a university to teach and supervise clinically.
Davetrina Seles Gadson | Speech-Language Pathologist
Davetrina became a SLP because she knew there was diversity in the field. She knew she'd have the opportunity to help people communicate. One thing she enjoys about her day is that it's not routine. From working with patients with voice disorders to neurological disabilities to swallowing; sometimes going on community outings or working with other therapists to make sure they're treating the entire patient; there's always something new. She's also had the opportunity to work as a travel SLP; living in Chicago and Dallas.

[@chloegarrett6566]

Future Speech Pathologists unite!

[@nancyschaeffer3695]

The last story is especially touching. :) I pray that I can keep up the momentum needed to get into grad school and become an SLP. I left my good paying position in management, to go back to school after an 8 year break to follow this dream. Watching videos like these helps me remember WHY I did that and helps me power through when I am feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with the material we cover in class.

[@jaspan7437]

can we get an update?

[@sydneylecher8330]

Can't wait to become an audiologist!! I have had hearing aids since three and can't wait to help others through the process!!

[@jesicahkerubo2061]

me too been using hearing aids since preschool and am working as an slp i cant wait o be an adiologist

[@SteveSilverActor]

How about those who are considering becoming an SLP as a second career?

[@yellowman5942]

Well now I dont know if I wasn't to be an audiologist or speech language pathologist 😂

[@DancingChakra]

Ahhh! Just watching this video gives me a feeling of fire in my belly! I can not wait to be an SLP and do this rewarding job everyday! I can see it. It will happen. Thank you for the upload; I have set my "Waketube" alarm clock to wake me up to this video.

[@littleMONSTER1189]

I am soooo excited about becoming an SLP! I just started school for it and I have finally found my true calling life! :) Great video!!!

[@bashaerhaddad4619]

How is it now ? Are you happy ? I hope you're doing great ♥️

[@Emilieclare]

@@bashaerhaddad4619 I'd love to know also!

[@zulyt09]

I can't wait to become an SLP! :)

[@estelleacocella9818]

This was my dream job. But I think I’m too old now. I will be 57 in a few months. Not sure anyone my age would be able to get a job after school. Any suggestions?

[@victoriaa8559]

You are never too old to chase your dreams. I say go for it! And besides 57 is very young. You have a lot of years ahead of you.

[@ASHAWeb]

Never too old! The demand for audiologists and speech-language pathologists is expected to see big growth over the next 10 years (see on.asha.org/2EMvtBj and on.asha.org/2H4R0b5). Here's some more information about the professions of audiology (on.asha.org/2K9cEgm) and speech-language pathology (on.asha.org/2I2BUmC), including education requirements.

[@sbirton1]

I understand you, I am 49 and this SLP is my passion I was told not to let age stop you. It can be done.

[@megaman4201]

@@sbirton1 awesome Stephanie, are you in school? I'm 50 and also very interested in SLP, my only hesitation is whether I have the brain power at 50... I don't feel quite as sharp as I did at 20 and hear it's a very competitive field to study. Where are you in your Pursuit? Todd Annapolis, Maryland

[@Sunshowers902]

u r not old!! age is relative!! At 80 u will say wow i could have done it!!

[@ASHAWeb]

Seven SLPs and audiologists under 40 talked with us about the rewards and possibilities of their careers: on.asha.org/18AyWd3

[@keishpeish]

what are your thoughts on older people getting in to the field ?

[@SLPSanjayKumarVoiceTherapist]

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Excellent work for awareness..

[@geralynmohawk]

Very interesting video. I never knew how much depth is involved. I do know that I have had the opportunity to hear Emily speak to parents during meetings and her knowledge of her field definitely shows.

[@mauir0x2]

I have always been fascinating with speech. I am definitely looking forward to this future career.

[@dhanush2730]

R u a slp now?

[@thatssojayah6886]

I love this career and just posted a video as an SLPA. It’s beautiful to know you are making a difference

[@amandaogbureke2574]

I have a question. Can someone be a slp first and then be a audiologist?

[@ASHAWeb]

Hi, Amanda! Great question. You can absolutely do both-but you'll need to complete all educational, clinical, and licensure requirements for each profession. You can find more information here: www.asha.org/students/

[@OduroCharles-r4x]

I'm an Audiology student in Africa (Ghana), please I really need a mentor

[@TatyanaRafeel]

Thanks for spreading awareness about these two amazing careers! 👍

[@Whateverinmylife]

Love audiology....future audiologist

[@caitlinlopezz]

Inspiring video :) well needed after a week of midterms!

[@MizzesSmileys]

This was so well done!

[@monastoyanova-hatib7186]

great video,thanks

[@Junaidkhan-jw9xj]

Thanks mam

[@sabihamir2691]

❤

[@mgth9076]

Beautiful video, when I think about France and how underpaid are the SLP there... I felt bad for them, you need to pass a selective examen then 5 years at university and you need to wait lot of years to reach 2000€/ months (sometimes can be 1400€/month)... even someone who works in a company and just have 3 years university can earn more. It's a beautiful job, sometimes you wait 6 months to 1 year to get a therapist... I don't know if in USA the salary is better, but I wish in France the governement pay attention to the revendications of SLP there (btw I am not a SLP but showing interest to this career)

[@riyankaragavan4029]

How to become an speech and language pathologist in srilanka

[@jacksjacobsaju6478]

I have master degree in speech and hearing and working for 5 years in hospital , looking for a good job opportunity

[@Bratenzie]

Wanting to be a SLP because I did speech all throughout elementary school due to not being able to hear til I was three and then seeing the first story girl who’s a SLP has my name seems like a sign ..

[@jacksjacobsaju6478]

How to migrate to uk with master degree in speech and hearing

[@heatherfoster2497]

Like number 1,000! 😁 What a coincidence to find this video showcasing so many places in my area! I'm trying to decide whether to study in one of these fields and would definitely consider reaching out to some of these organisations to do some observing

[@ricodem419]

Currently work with a hearing centre and forward to advancing my studies in that aspect. Any ideas on how to make this dream come true?

[@Junaidkhan-jw9xj]

Mam what is audiologist

[@sauravsikhwal3903]

I am audiologist in India i want to know how to work as a audiologist in USA

[@mayurisaxena1359]

What's the Salary?

[@mayurisaxena1359]

What's the Salary?

[@balajir890]

Hello! Where did you do your college do tell me bro I'm a neet aspirant,but now I'm leaning on audiology

[@mayurisaxena1359]

Is this better than nursing for a girl?

[@ZenithE8]

If the Auto Industry asked you to park outside your neighbor's house at night and HOOONKK HOOONKK would you? Would you do it day after day after day after day? Then please lock your vehicle Quietly.... No Honk. ... Light Flash Only.... so people can sleep at night and have peace during the day. The Light Flash Signal confirms your car is locked and armed. You do not need the HONK. The Auto Industry Really screwed up with this technology. They need to GET RID OF THE HONK. Thank you.

[@ZenithE8]

Noise Hurts!!! Please lock your car quietly. Light Flash Only. How: Click fob Once not Twice. Light Flash confirms car is locked and armed. No Honk is needed. Thank you.